YouTube thumbnail preview
YouTube Help recommends a 3840 × 2160 thumbnail in 16:9, at least 640 pixels wide, as a JPG or PNG under 2 MB from a phone or 50 MB from a computer. Pick your image to check it and see it in a feed next to your title, in light and dark.
Preview and check your thumbnail
Drop your thumbnail here
Choose an image to check its size, shape, format and file size.
Required
- Not checked yetAt least 640 px wide
- Not checked yetUnder the upload limit
Recommended
- Not checked yet3840 × 2160 recommended
- Not checked yet16:9 aspect ratio
- Not checked yetJPG or PNG
Where it shows up
Simplified layouts, not YouTube’s own. Each frame is 16:9, and real sizes change with the screen.
Your video title
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Your channel
Your video title
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How YouTube’s thumbnail rules work
You can upload a custom thumbnail in YouTube Studio once your account is verified. YouTube Help lists these figures for video thumbnails, and the 100-character title limit on its video settings page.
| Resolution“Have a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels for videos” | 3840 × 2160 |
|---|---|
| Minimum width“with a minimum width of 640 pixels for videos” | 640 px |
| Aspect ratio“For videos, try to upload a thumbnail with an aspect ratio of 16:9.” | 16:9 |
| File type“Be uploaded in image formats such as JPG or PNG.” | JPG or PNG |
| File size“Mobile: 2 MB for video thumbnails … Desktop: 50MB for video, Shorts, and podcast thumbnails.” | 2 MB / 50 MB |
| Title length“Video titles have a character limit of 100 characters” | 100 characters |
Shorts are different: YouTube Help recommends 2160 × 3840 and 9:16 for Shorts thumbnails, with a minimum height of 640 pixels.
Sources: YouTube Help: Add custom thumbnails on YouTube · YouTube Help: Edit video settings, checked .
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What size should a YouTube thumbnail be?
YouTube Help recommends 3840 × 2160 pixels for video thumbnails, with a minimum width of 640 pixels, and an aspect ratio of 16:9.
What is the file size limit for a YouTube thumbnail?
It depends on where you upload from. YouTube Help lists 2 MB for video thumbnails on mobile and 50 MB on a computer.
Which file types can I use?
YouTube Help says to upload image formats such as JPG or PNG.
How long can a YouTube title be?
YouTube Help says video titles have a character limit of 100 characters.
What about Shorts thumbnails?
YouTube Help recommends 2160 × 3840 pixels and a 9:16 aspect ratio for Shorts, with a minimum height of 640 pixels. It also says custom Shorts thumbnails can currently only be added in YouTube Studio on a computer. This preview is for 16:9 video thumbnails.
Do I need a verified account to upload a custom thumbnail?
Yes. YouTube Help says you can upload your own thumbnail if your account is verified.
Is my image uploaded anywhere?
No. Your image is read in your browser and never leaves your device.